Garry Wayne O'Connor

Garry Wayne O’Connor, age 72, passed away, unexpectedly, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. He was born on November 29, 1953, in Columbia, Tennessee, to Maurice and Betty Sue O’Connor. Garry was a graduate of Central High School and Columbia State Community College.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Betty Sue O’Connor; and his first love, Nancy Mudd O’Connor, the mother of Thomas and Molly.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Donnelly O’Connor; his brother, Dwade O’Connor; his children, Thomas O’Connor and Molly (Shaurya) O’Connor; and his cherished grandchildren, Riley O’Connor, James, Laney, Charlie, Elly, and Kellen. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Melanie (Lee) Scott and Brooke (Matt) Nicholson.

Garry was an avid University of Tennessee Volunteers fan and had a deep love for his family and friends. For over five decades, Garry dedicated his career to the construction industry, playing a meaningful role in building the Nashville we know today. He was known and admired as one of the hardest-working and most respected men in the industry. Of all the roles he held, his most cherished was being PawPaw, and from day one, Riley was his constant companion and best friend.

Garry loved being a father, grandfather, husband, and friend. Known for his playful mischief, he took great delight in good-naturedly aggravating his family, friends, and coworkers. Music was one of his lifelong passions—he played bass guitar, performed in several bands, and had a deep appreciation for Southern Rock. Garry was a dreamer. He joked that retirement would be when he purchased his pirate ship and would be known as Captain Snow Beard.

Though Garry was known for his rough exterior, those who knew him best recognized his tender heart. Babies and puppies brought him pure joy and never failed to make him smile. He will be loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

Pallbearers: Louie Martin, Clay Bolin, Kyle Bolin, Chris Brewington, Jason Gleaves, Tracy Manley, Brian Moore, Tim Mudd, Charlie Nicholson

Honorary Pallbearers: Brandon Edwards, Teddy Gibson, David Gilliam, Kenneth Horner, Danny Knott, Larry Loveless, Rick Martin, Todd Martin, Michael Mudd, Thomas Pinckney, Mike Stoops.

In lieu of flowers, we would like donations to be made to Stars Basketball Club, giving young girls, who may not be able to afford it, the chance to play in a competitive, Christian basketball club.

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/vsIc4A?vid=1nq7ym

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Franklin, Tennessee. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., also at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in Franklin, Tennessee.